Princess' Castle

The Bouchout Castle is a castle in Belgium dating from the 12th
century. The domaine is now the location of the National Botanic
Garden of Belgium. In the early 12th century, the Duke of Brabant
and his troops confronted the troops of Meise, the "Milites de
Menza." Both strongholds later became water castles, each
surrounded by a park. Bouchout Castle has seen many changes through
the years. The square tower, the oldest part of the castle, dates
from the 14th century. A famous inhabitant of the castle was the
Empress Charlotte (Carlota of Mexico), sister of King Léopold II,
and widow of the executed Emperor of Mexico. Charlotte lived in the
castle for most of her life.